USDA launches Working Lands Climate Corps

The new Working Lands Climate Corps will train young adults for careers in climate-smart agriculture and conservation, said Agriculture deputy secretary Xochitl Torres Small on Monday. She announced the initiative at the National Association of Conservation Districts convention in San Diego, with the NACD, Americorps, and The Corps Network as partners.

NACD president Kim LaFleur said conservation districts and the USDA have worked together since the Dust Bowl era and the Working Lands Climate Corps would strengthen the relationship. The majority of U.S. land is privately owned, she said, and the long-standing system of voluntary, incentive-led land stewardship is successful. “There are no short cuts,” said LaFleur during a teleconference.

The first round of more than 100 young people “will serve with state and local host organizations across the country, receiving on-the ground experience and training with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices and systems,” said the USDA. A March 8 deadline was set for organizations to apply as hosts.

Five months ago, when the Biden administration launched its American Climate Corps, the USDA said it would create a Forest Corps as part of the initiative. There would be slots for 80 young people, ages 26 to 28, to work this summer on wildfire prevention, reforestation, and other projects as part of the U.S. Forest Service’s long-term wildfire strategy.